If it’s lonely at the top …then maybe you’re not there!

When it comes to finding the right attorney to go to battle for you or your family, you need to remember that anyone can buy billboard advertising, make a slick website or create a slogan. Did you know that there are law firms in Arkansas that employee full-time public relations directors whose only job is to make sure the law firm is getting attention from any source available? They are literally paid to draw attention to the law firm and to make it appear strong, important, involved in the community and successful.

This is the sad reality of the practice of law these days. Law firms are promoting themselves on billboards, radio and television, touting themselves and begging for business with silly slogans or really dumb questions like “INJURED?” (As if someone driving down the interstate is going to see that question and think, “Wait …I am injured …I better call that lawyer!”)

So how do you find the best lawyer for the job and ensure that you or your family is not being sucked in by some public relations promotion or being influenced by lawyer advertising? One of the best ways is to carefully research the lawyer or firm by looking to trusted online resources where you can learn what an attorney’s peers think of his or her work or, more importantly, learn of what a lawyer’s former clients have to say about their experience.

Martindale-Hubbel’s Lawyer Ratings is one excellent resource. It is a peer review rating system, so what you are seeing is what other attorneys, who practice in the same geographic area as an attorney, think of his or her work and ethical standards.

If a lawyer has an “AV Preeminent” rating with Martindale-Hubbel, then that lawyer’s peers have given him or her the highest rating available. This not a law firm touting itself as “good” but other lawyers in your community rating that lawyer as one of the best.

Another excellent resource is Avvo’s online rating service. Avvo hosts the most comprehensive rating service of attorneys on the internet. What sets it apart, is the fact that you can see not only what other lawyers say in endorsements but, more importantly, what former clients have to say about their own experience with the lawyer or law firm.

Fortunately, with such resources available online, you really do not have to rely on billboards and slogans to find the best lawyer to help you. The bottom line is that you should do some research and ultimately trust yourself and your instincts …and look beyond advertisements.

-bruce

Call me anytime and I will be glad to discuss your case with no obligation.

Here’s my cell: (479) 936-4384

Please click HERE to learn more about our firm.

When Elaine and I are unable to be at our office, for whatever reason, we transfer incoming calls directly to my cell. We do this because we know that in the immediate aftermath of an accident, no matter how minor or serious, people often need answers and/or guidance …not tomorrow but right now.

Despite my publicizing this fact and making my cell phone available on our website, callers always seem surprised when I actually answer my phone. I suppose that is because in our culture we often equate professional success with how many layers of insulation (secretaries, clerks, assistants, receptionists, paralegals…etc.) the “professionals” put between themselves and the clients. Try to call your doctor lately?

I really think that the attitude is more often in the minds of the “professionals” than the public. I’ve seen young lawyers who coattail into early success build practices in which they rarely are available to actually talk to their clients, relegating that “unpleasant” aspect of their job to underlings and staff.

This same attitude on the part of some lawyers, results in accident victims, or their families, hiring a “big name” firm after meeting with one of the “big name” partners (who stops by and makes a brief appearance at the initial consultation) only to have their case handed to a young and inexperienced attorney. Unfortunately, once that contract is signed with the “big name” firm… the accident victim can end up with a “no-name” lawyer.

When your family has suffered and injury or loss as a result of another’s carelessness or intentional conduct, you need to find and speak with a top rated attorney right away. I’m not suggesting hiring an attorney over the phone, but, if nothing else, get some guidance before dealing with insurance adjusters. And, when you first meet with a lawyer, if you are not 100% comfortable with what you are hearing, seeing and feeling about the lawyer, do not sign a contract in the first meeting. Give it some thought. Ask what attorney will be handling your case? If the answer is, “we take a team approach,” ask for the “big name” lawyer’s cell phone number and tell him or her you’ll think about it.

For twenty-five years we have taken great pride in being available and responsive to our clients. We consider that as important as any other aspect of what we do. Don’t believe me?

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MY CELL NUMBER IS: 479-936-4384

Please click HERE to see all of my Avvo client reviews.

We proudly represent families all over Arkansas in serious injury and death cases. If you or a family member is involved in a car accident in any of the following locations, we are nearby and ready to help: I-49, Benton County, Washington County, Madison County, Carroll County, Sebastian County, Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Lowell, Springdale, Fayetteville, Van Buren, Fort Smith, Huntsville, Siloam Springs, Harrison, Green Forest, Eureka Springs, West Fork, Garfield, Centerton, Gravette, Decatur, Mena, Elm Springs, Cave Springs, Alma …and everywhere in between.